Thursday marked a milestone for the Eno River State Park.

According to a release by the Eno River Association, on December 30, the group purchased and transferred 65 acres of riverfront property in Orange County to be added to the Eno River State Park.

The land is made up of two tracts separated by existing parkland, according to the statement. It was part of the last remaining "missing links" section of river frontage within the Eno River State Park boundaries.

More than 100 hikers joined with the Eno River Association on New Years Day to celebrate the addition.

The celebration and announcement came on the same day as the organization's annual New Years Day hike.

"This is a great way to basically show how things were and should be, and when they're untouched," said Jamie Latimer who went hiking on the Eno River trail on New Years day.

Organizers say the Association has been working with a local family for several years to acquire the property through a combination of sale and donation.

State money and the Association paid for parts of the new addition.

"It protects wildlife, it provides recreational opportunities, and protects our water quality," said organizer Robin Jacobs.

Officials say the new land will protect more than a mile of buffer land on the river and two tributary streams, which will limit urban runoff and create cleaner water for area residents.

Related Link: Eno River Group Says 65 Acres Of Links Missing From State Park

Related Link: The Eno River Assocaition